Early Head Start Family Advocate - Family Council

Job DescriptionESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSGeneral Functions Work with an average caseload of 35 families enrolled in EHS center-based and family child care (FCC) options. Establish relationships with assigned families through regularly occurring formal and informal contact in homes and at the centers. Support communication between parents and center-based partners. Work with EHS staff and partners to provide well-coordinated, comprehensive supports and services to enrolled children and families. Participate in staff meetings, in-service training, and meetings with community partners serving assigned families.Eligibility, Recruitment, Selection, Enrollment & Attendance (ERSEA)With support from the ERSEA Specialist : Actively recruit potentially eligible infants, toddlers, and their families to maintain full enrollment and waiting list at all times, based on ERSEA plan for EHS. Schedule and conduct meetings in home or location convenient to family to assist family with completing the EHS application process, explain the EHS program and program options, and assist family with immediate needs. Assist parents enrolling in center-based and FCC options with initial application for child care subsidy and subsequent redeterminations to maintain subsidy eligibility. Assist selected families with enrollment into center-based and FCC program options, including coordinating an orientation session at the center / FCC. Follow up and provide support to families whose children do not arrive as scheduled or are not meeting attendance requirements. Document applications, enrollment, and attendance information on EHS forms and in the program's data system.Parent Engagement Complete family needs assessment, make needed referrals, and follow up to ensure families receive referred services and supports. Based on initial family assessment, develop and implement Family Partnership Agreements with each assigned family. Help families develop meaningful goals and attainable action steps. Support families in achieving their goals. Monitor whether goals were achieved. Assist assigned families with making smooth transitions into and out of EHS, as well as transitions from one program option (e.g., home-based or center-based / FCC) to another. Maintain knowledge about a wide range of community resources for children and families, and assist assigned families in accessing community resources, including resources for families in crisis. Follow up with families on referrals to community agencies to assure the satisfactory provision of services. Educate parents about advocacy and support parents to advocate for themselves and their families. Inform assigned families about and engage them in each center's Parent Committee.Help plan, support and attend Parent Committee meetings at host sites.8. Document all family services on EHS forms and in the data system. 9. Assist with identifying a parent representative from assigned sites for Policy CommitteeHealth ServicesUnder the direction of the Health Coordinator : Support, encourage, and assist families in establishing a medical and dental home and health insurance. Ensure that enrolled children receive all well-child health services in accordance with the EPSDT schedule and EHS requirements. Make referrals and follow up on needed services. Ensure that enrolled children on caseload receive required developmental, behavioral, and sensory screenings within EHS timelines. Make referrals and follow up on needed services. Track and document screenings and health services in data system.Documentation and Reporting Enter all family service data for assigned caseload in the data system with accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. Use family services reports to help families identify progress in meeting program goals and improve services referred / delivered to families. As directed, participate in file reviews, program school readiness meetings, self-assessment, and other efforts to improve program services and identify and address family needs.Other Functions Conduct ongoing community outreach to recruit eligible children and families. Actively participate in recruitment and enrollment activities. Establish and maintain an up-to-date, accurate, efficient, confidential record-keeping system, within program procedures. Participate in EHS team and Family Council all-staff meetings. Participate in reflective / supportive supervision. Maintain professional growth by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities. Perform other duties assigned and reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.ResponsibilitiesADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS : Initial and periodic Motor Vehicle Records checks, maintain a valid driver's license, and maintain a safe driving record. Must have insured, dependable transportation to and from work. Must submit to state and federal criminal checks prior to employment. Ability to be reached by cellular phone during business hours.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY : Knowledge of the Early Head Start / Head Start program Basic skills in using cell phone, desktop computer, and internet Knowledge of Microsoft Office software applications Strong computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, internet and databases Strong time management and organizational skills Ability to build strong networks to more effectively serve the Early Head Start program Ability to effectively work collaboratively Good communication skills Positive attitude and behavior in all program activities Ability to be flexible and adapt to frequent changes Knowledge of community resources and / or how to find information on community resources Skill in demonstrating sensitivity to cultural differences and cultural competencyUNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS :

• This position will include a combination of work from home (remote) and office, based on current health protocols and job responsibilities.In accordance with Federal Regulations agencies must assure that each staff member has an initial health examination and a periodic re- examination (as recommended by their health care provider or as mandated by State or local laws) so as to assure that they do not, because of communicable diseases, pose a significant risk to the health or safety of others in the Early Head Start or Head Start program that cannot be eliminated or reduced by reasonable accommodation. This requirement must be implemented consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.Position is grant funded and continued employment is based on availability of grant funding and satisfactory performance on the job.QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Requires certification or credential in Social Work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field at hire or within 18 months of hire. Minimum one-year experience working with low income parents / families required. Individuals with proficiency in speaking and understanding Spanish or Arabic are strongly encouraged to apply.About UsThank you for considering employment with Lucas County. Our culture is rooted in principles of making an impact through service, collaborating with others, feeling valued, and being challenged. We foster a diversified and inclusive workforce, embracing shared values and a common mission. We are looking for talented people to join our community. @font-face {font-family : "Cambria Math"; panose-1 : 2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-alt : "Palatino Linotype"; mso-font-charset : 0; mso-generic-font-family : roman; mso-font-pitch : variable; mso-font-signature : -536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face {font-family : Calibri; panose-1 : 2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset : 0; mso-generic-font-family : swiss; mso-font-pitch : variable; mso-font-signature : -469750017 -1040178053 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, divdiv